Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Mexico & Central America (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/)
-   -   Great Memoirs set in or about Mexico? (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/great-memoirs-set-in-or-about-mexico-921749/)

grtbookbios Jan 28th, 2012 07:24 PM

Great Memoirs set in or about Mexico?
 
Hi All - I am planning a trip to Mexico and I love to read along as I go - does anyone have any notable book recommendations for Mexico (or other spots in Central America) that capture the flavor of the country (or countries) and tell a good story? I do love memoirs - but any kind of story will do.

My trip will focus mostly on Mexico City but I may get out to some ruins or to Oxhaca...
Thanks in advance!

qwovadis Jan 29th, 2012 03:02 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Under-Volcano-.../dp/0061120154
Great Huston film with Albert Finney too circa 1984 as I recall.

TC Jan 29th, 2012 08:44 AM

I loved reading "The Lacuna" by Barbra Kingslover last year while in Mexico.

Two older books that are worth a read are:
"The People's Guide to Mexico" by Carl Franz -- part guide book, mostly humorous short stories.
"The Readers Companion to Mexico" by Alan Ryan -- good short stories.

Fra_Diavolo Jan 29th, 2012 12:36 PM

Try to get a copy of <i>A Visit to Don Otavio</i> by Sybille Bedford. Amazon has a large print as well as a Kindle edition, but the regular paperback seems to be out of print.

http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Don-Otav...7872527&sr=8-1

<i>Under the Volcano</i> is one of the great novels of the 20th century, but can be hard going. Your library will have it.

grtbookbios Jan 29th, 2012 06:22 PM

Awesome - thanks to all for the recommendations! I'll load up my ereader in short order...

Nelson Jan 31st, 2012 08:19 PM

Haven't completely decided yet, but this is on my short list for a Baja trip coming in March.

http://www.amazon.com/Log-Cortez-Pen...dp/0141186070/

Years ago when visiting the Yucatan I read and enjoyed another classic:
http://www.amazon.com/Incidents-Cent.../ref=pd_cp_b_0

Have a great trip.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:51 PM.